Metals

THE ITEM

Presenting this pair of beautifully stylised, Modernist brass horses mounted to the polished solid wood base is by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller. These figures carry the influences typical of the Mid Century Modern design, which would have been at the height of its popularity during the time these horses were crafted.

Mid Century Modern design influences can include an 'atomic feel' that transforms ordinary geometric shapes into curves and waves and the exaggeration of length or stylising and this influence is evident in the design of this piece. An elegant and sophisticated accent piece that would suit a room with decor themes of vintage, contemporary, Mid Century Modern and even Industrial. 

CONDITION

Excellent, no damage, there is natural wear that is commensurable with age is present, please see photographs as part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS

Height: c. 4.9" / 12.5 cm (of larger horse). Height: c. 6.1" / 15.5 cm tall (including base) x c. 4.3" / 11 cm width (from nose to tail of larger horse). Wood base: length c. 4.6" / 11.7 cm x width c. 2.8" / 7 cm 

Unpackaged weight: c. 0.5 kg / 466 g

NOTES

Figurine will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Walter Bosse (November 13, 1904 – December 13, 1979) was a Viennese artist, designer, ceramist, potter, metalworker, and craftsman noted for his modernist bronze animal figurines. Bosse’s work grew in popularity and a number of his pieces were shown at the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in 1925. He started designing for Augarten Porcelain Works (1924) as well as Goldscheider (1926) and Metzler and Ortloff (1927). In 1931, to meet increasing demand (especially in America). In the late 1940s, Bosse began experimenting with brass by giving his ceramic figures a metal coating to protect them from breakage.

He formed a partnership with Hertha Baller, whose company (the Hertha Baller Company) manufactured and marketed the brass figurines, this collaboration was called the Bosse/Baller company. In the early 1950s, Bosse and Baller began exploring a new style of brass called the “Black Gold Line” or "Black Golden Line" of brass figurines. He transitioned all of his efforts to brass and the figures became popular worldwide.

In Vienna, the Herta Baller Company continued to make and sell Bosse's designs. Bosse also collaborated with Karlsruhe State Majolika Works on a number of pottery animal figures.

THE ITEM

This superb piece of Modernist and Brutalist design is by renowned Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund. 

The work is depicts the vibrantly serene energy of an underwater scene, the details carefully captured in bronze relief. There is energy inherent in many aspects, from the swaying plant life, the swirl and swish from the sea creatures to the marked motion of water in the stylised dashes of dots and streaks. 

The influences of this piece make it versatile and the piece could suit a space with decor inspired by themes of Modernist, Brutalist, Industrial, Contemporary and Steampunk design.  

CONDITION

Excellent. There is mild wear commensurable with age of the piece and an appealing ageing of the bronze in the green patina. The front of the charger is initialled with Nylunds 'GN' and the reverse of the charger is marked with the 'ÄKTA BRONS' [Translation: 'Authentic Bronze'] and the Aladdin's Lamp symbol of the manufacturer. There is also an inscription of 'MINNE FRÅN BLYAVDELNINGEN 1954' [Translation 'Memory of the day 1954'] and eleven signatures. 

MEASUREMENTS

c. 1.6" /  4 cm tall (from base to rim) x c. 10.6" / 27 cm in diameter.

Unpackaged weight: c. 2 kg / 2,048 g

NOTES

Charger will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY

Gunnar Nylund (1904 - 1997) was born in Paris, France to well-known Finnish sculptor, Felix Nylund, and the Danish-born Fernanda Jacobsen-Nylund. The family travelled to France, Italy, and Denmark, and eventually to Finland in 1911. At the outbreak of the Finnish civil war in 1918, Gunnar and his mother would flee to Denmark where Gunnar would complete his schooling and embark on his lifelong journey with ceramics, beginning with an apprenticeship. Gunnar would continue to practice ceramics with his father and took on extra work at the Bing & Gröndahl (B&G) porcelain factory. His contributions to exhibits at the 1925 Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes expo in Paris led B&G to offer him a permanent position. After three years at B&G, in 1928, Gunnar left to establish the Nylund-Krebs studio with Nathalie Krebs. The duo's pioneering Saxbo range (1929) has become an icon of Scandinavian ceramic design.

After two years, Nyland left to become the Artistic Director of Swedish company Rörstrand, a position he became renowned for and held until sometime in 1955. Gunnar made his most important artistic contributions while at Rorstrand. During his tenure at Rörstrand, he became known for smooth matte glazes, beautiful muted colors, and modernist shapes, producing hundreds of designs. 

From 1955, he was artistic director for Strömbergshyttans glassworks in Hovmantorp, and later freelanced for the company. In the early 1960s, he returned to Copenhagen and there, he started producing stoneware for Nymölle Keramiska Fabrik in Lyngby. Also during this time, he created Europe’s largest stoneware fountain the “Scanisarius” in Bromölla, Sweden, over five decades, Gunnar had crafted some 30 reliefs and sculptures commissioned for public spaces.

THE ITEM
Presenting an elegant work of Swedish Mid Century Modernist design, crafted in the wonderful combination of brass and cobalt blue glass.

This piece was designed by Swedish designer Gunnar Ander and is in a rare formation of three stylised floral bobeches (glass collars), supported by brass arms. The three brass arms surround the cobalt blue glass dish is elevated from the surface by the footed brass frame . The candle sconce of each arm takes a taper candle measuring 12 mm / 1/2".

Whether fitted with candles or not, this sculpted piece is a beautiful display of elegant and sleek Modernist design and would suit a room with similar themed, Art Deco or Vintage decor.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Ystad Metall was founded in Sweden in 1833 and went on to produce some of the most notable designs in bronze and brass home accessories of the twentieth century.

Gunnar Ander (1908 - 1976) was a Swedish designer and architect. Ander's was hired by Erik Hovhammar from Lindshammars Glassworks to develop a new design profile to differentiate them from the competition. He worked alongside with Ystad Metall, where he designed wrought iron and other art objects. Ander's candelabras from the fifties elegantly captures the spirit of that time. He continued his work at Lindshammars and Ystad Metall (later Scandia Present AB ) until his death in 1976.

CONDITION

Excellent. The glass carries no chips, scratches or chips. The brass has vintage surface wear that is commensurable with age - please see photos as part of condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height c. 5.1" /  13 cm (from rim of tallest bobeche to base) x c. 8.4" / 21.5 cm in length (across widest points).

Bowl: 2.7" / 7 cm in height x c. 4.7" / 12 cm in diameter.
Unpackaged weight: c. 0.45kg / 520 g

NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

THE ITEM

Presenting a excellent piece of Art Nouveau influenced design. 

The funnel form vase bears the Papaver poppy design, which was popular during the height of the Art Nouveau movement. There are two open poppies wrapping round the body of the vase, a bud and a smaller half open poppy with unfurling leaves complimenting the blooms. The decor has been crafted in raised relief, making this piece very tactile. 

A elegant piece suited to a room with Art Nouveau, Vintage / Brocante inspired decor. 

A BIT OF HISTORY

Engelbert Kayser (1840-1911) - an art dealer, entrepreneur, and ambitious artist - founded the trademark of the same name in 1894. Kayserzinn produced high-quality tin and pewter items in Jugendstil Art Nouveau style until 1920.

Kayserzinn's main designer and artistic director was Hugo Leven (1874-1956), a name to be compared with that of Liberty's main pewter designer, Archibald Knox. Leven was very successful as a designer, participating in world exhibitions and strongly influencing the German Jugendstil style with his designs. 

CONDITION
Very good.  No damage, however, there is age-wear - wear which is commensurable with the age of the piece, please see photos as part of condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 8" / 20 cm by c. 4.3" /  11 cm (rim diameter) 

Base diameter: c. 2.8" / 7 cm 

Unpackaged weight: c. 0.8 kg / 781 g

NOTES
Vase will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

THE ITEM

A fantastic set of four pieces of Mid Century Modernist Danish design in cast iron.

The Paro design series bears strong minimalist Modernist influences with geometric variations in hexagonal and square arrangements.

Each piece of this set is in the same square arrangement and has four pods for taking taper candles, the alternative, of course, is to (carefully) balance a larger candle in the centre of each holder. The underside of each pod also has a small circular foot to slightly lift the candle holder from surfaces.

An idea of the fun to be had in arranging and displaying these four pieces can be seen from the rest of the photos in this listing. The set will suit a room with Mid Century, Modernist or even Industrial inspired decor.

CONDITION

Excellent, no damage although there is natural wear, commensurable with age. Each piece is marked with "Made in Denmark, Paro Design, Monsterbeskyttet"

MEASUREMENTS

Each piece: c. 3.5" / 8.9 cm x c. 3.5" / 8.9 cm
Unpackaged weight: (four pieces) c. 0.2 kg / 197 g

NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.

Shipping will be combined for multiple items.